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Definition: Social Credit System


The Chinese system for ranking people's reputation based on their social behavior and allegiance to the government. The Social Credit System is enabled by the massive surveillance in place via the Internet and an estimated 200 million cameras in Chinese cities.

Launched in 2009, this social ranking is like a credit score for behavior, and it becomes extremely important to citizens who want to advance in their profession and community. Even the most minor infractions such as playing loud music, jaywalking or not showing up after making a reservation contribute to lowering the score. See social media.